The UK travel industry has reported reduced bookings for early summer holidays, citing uncertainty linked to the Middle East conflict and higher living costs. Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer stated that although demand for trips persists, the sector expects a challenging period ahead. Industry research shows general apprehension and domestic cost pressures are lowering early-season reservations, he noted at the group’s annual conference in London. Consumers are increasingly choosing later booking dates due to fears over how the Middle East situation could disrupt travel. The conflict has pushed up global oil prices, with jet fuel costs rising sharply and raising the likelihood of increased air fares. However, large numbers of flights have continued without cancellation during the peak summer season. Tanzer added that the new EU entry and exit system, which has caused delays at some continental airports, may further reduce demand. The system requires non-EU passengers to register personal data and biometrics at borders. He described its rollout as creating an unhelpful backdrop for summer travel to EU destinations and called for flexibility to suspend biometric registration during excessive queues. Temporary suspensions have occurred at sites including Dover and in Greece until September. A Frontex director indicated the system could take one or two years to stabilize. The Abta alert arrives as airlines and operators face an uncertain peak profit season. On the Beach chief executive Shaun Morton said bookings are arriving but shorter lead times create planning difficulties for a price-sensitive consumer worried about inflation and fuel surcharges. He still expects overall summer market growth, noting that late bookings tend to reverse in following cycles when conditions improve. Shares in On the Beach have declined 30 percent this year after warnings on delayed reservations.
